In the Instagram-first era that we live in, aesthetics are everything. And these five Indian restaurants have put an emphasis on design-first experiences, making diners very, very happy. The people responsible for their implementation have spared no effort to make your dining experiences one of a kind!
Nominated in the category for the Best Designed Restaurants at the Zee Zest Unlimit Awards 2025, these spaces ensure that you eat with all your senses when you dine here. Here's looking at what sets them apart.
Tubu, Chandigarh
Pods designed with a Scandinavian flair scatter Tubu's eating areas among its verdant surroundings. Sanchit Arora, the designer, explains that the urban grid and brutalist architecture of Chandigarh are complemented by the minimalist, functional, and nature-centric philosophy of Scandinavian design, which uses natural materials to soften the harsh lines.
This amplifies the contrast between the man-made structures and the lush landscape that characterises most of the city. In stark contrast to the many hues of greenery around them, the pods' matte-black exteriors and warm birch plywood interiors provide a stunning visual contrast. Angular shapes, sparse wooden furnishings, and sharply sloping roofs contribute to the ambience.
Bar Palladio, Jaipur
Bar Palladio's blue decor and menu provide a welcome respite from Jaipur's pink when it becomes overwhelming. Jaipuri block prints, renaissance themes, Mughal arches, and windows adorn the walls of the room. A white tented canopy illuminated by candles gives the outside a subdued vintage feel, in contrast to the bright and glittery inside.
The idea for this peacock-blue eatery came from Barbara Miolini, a Swiss-Italian, and it is a lavish, beautifully executed fantasy. The tented ceilings and custom-printed floral banquettes remind one of the splendour of the Moghul era, while the slow and soothing music is reminiscent of pre-war European cafes!
Bawri, Goa
Bawri, the concept Indian restaurant founded by Chef Amninder Sandhu, is nestled in Assagao, Goa. Rattan seats, macrame decorations, large tropical ferns, frangipani trees, and bright splashes of colour adorn the 9,500 square-foot covered outdoor area, which radiates rustic luxury. The restaurant is set apart from its neighbour by a flowing koi pond and is adorned with low charpai seating.
The 130-seater room pays homage to Indian craftsmanship with handmade carpets decorating a statement bar in the middle, drawings, and a stepwell inspired by Rajasthan. Sandhu's slow cooking approach is evident in the menu which is only enhanced by its surroundings.
Baradari, Jaipur
The City Palace is home to the upscale eatery Baradari. Indulge in a fusion of modern and traditional Rajasthani cuisine at this restaurant that exudes an air of refined modernity. Ambrish Arora and his colleagues at Studio Lotus, located in Delhi, took a year to plan the restaurant. The palace's original stone masonry has been exposed after Team Lotus removed the paint and stucco.
The crew spared no effort in their attempt to replicate the traditional line plaster, also known as choona masala, in order to maintain authenticity in the building process. Baradari is a 12-column area that creatively combines the old and the contemporary with its elaborate chevron inlay floor, which is a modern spin on traditional Rajasthani leheriya. The ceiling echoes the pattern and has stone inlay.
Hosa, Goa
Rohit Khattar, a restaurateur known for his work at Indian Accent (New York and Delhi), Comorin (Gurgaon), and Koloman (New York), created Hosa, a charming establishment housed in a Portuguese bungalow that seems to have slipped into another era. Designed by Rohini Kapur, the restaurant honours both traditional and modern styles. While the modern 14-foot bar clings to the present, the handmade tiles and Gothic chandeliers harken back to a bygone era.
In addition, there is an outside patio where patrons may take in views of the Chapora River and the world-renowned St. Anthony's Church. To contrast the starkness of the ceiling, which features the shadows of towering palm leaves—the sole accessory utilised in the restaurant—and the flooring, which is done in classic Portuguese tile patterns, they opted for a monochromatic palette of grey, black, and cream.
These restaurants are not only serving up delicious and ‘Gram-worthy food', but their interiors are a masterclass in design. Each of the restaurants nominated in this category is pushing the envelope in the culinary space but is also setting high standards when it comes to aesthetics. Be sure to pull out your cameras when you visit.
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